Effect of Hypericum perforatum Aqueous Extracts on Serum Lipids, Aminotransferases, and Lipid Peroxidation in Hyperlipidemic Rats.

BACKGROUND Patients with high levels of total cholesterol (TCH), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH), and triglyceride (TG) are at increased risk of coronary heart disease. Studies have shown that flavonoids and antioxidant compounds have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of extract of Hypericum perforatum (EHP) on the serum lipid profile (TCH, TG, and LDL-CH), aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two male rats weighting 200 ± 10 g were randomly divided into four experimental groups: 1) control, 2) control + EHP, 3) hyperlipidemia, and 4) hyperlipidemia + EHP. The rats in the hyperlipidemic groups were fed a high-fat diet for 60 days, and EHP (300 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 2 weeks in the rats in the second and fourth groups. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples from each group were analyzed. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in LDL-CH in the control + EHP group and the hyperlipidemia + EHP group (P < 0.05). TCH was significantly reduced in the control + EHP group (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the levels of TG and HDL-CH. Malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly reduced in the hyperlipidemia + EHP group (P < 0.05), with no significant change in alkaline phosphatase. CONCLUSIONS EHP was able to both reduce LDL-CH and to significantly decrease markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induced by hyperlipidemia. Therefore, this herb, as a new pharmacological component, could be used to reduce certain blood lipids, lipid peroxidation, and aminotransferase markers.